Double Honours For Land Rover In Auto Express Awards

The Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery 4 are continuing their winning ways in the 2012 Auto Express Awards, taking top honours respectively as Best Compact SUV and Best Large SUV.

For Evoque, which was the reigning Auto Express Car of the Year, it is a second successive victory in its class, demonstrating that the promise it showed in the build up to its launch last year has been fully realised. Its quality, performance and appeal have now been recognised by well in excess of 100 awards and excellent sales figures worldwide.

Evoque was challenged for honours in its class by its sister model, the Freelander 2, which earned a judges' commendation, and the BMW X3.

Auto Express Editor-in-Chief, Steve Fowler said: "Last year's Car of the Year is still the one to beat and easily keeps hold of its Best Compact SUV title.

"The Evoque is all about style, quality and driver appeal. It turns heads like little else, is built superbly and is great fun to drive - a truly brilliant all-rounder."

Discovery 4 accomplishes a hat-trick this year, claiming the Best Large SUV award for the third year running, making it the pre-eminent model in its class every year since its launch.

The Auto Express success adds to an impressive array of honours for the model, demonstrating Discovery's strength-in-depth as it progresses beyond the production milestone of 1,000,000 units; it has established its dominance in the class by winning the award eight consecutive times.

Fowler commented: "This is the third Auto Express award for Discovery 4, proof that it is one of the best cars in the real world. Nothing can touch its blend of go-anywhere ability, comfort, tremendous practicality and value. A continual programme of development keeps it ahead of the pack and keeps it looking cool, too."

Discovery 4 took top spot in its category this year ahead of finalists the Porsche Cayenne and Hyundai Santa Fe. Land Rover's across-the-board success this year was completed by the Range Rover being commended in the awards' Luxury Car category.

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover UK, accepted the awards at a presentation at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London. He said: "These awards demonstrate the breadth of appeal that the Land Rover brand has in the UK. We have our strongest ever product line-up, and retail sales in the UK are up 28% YTD.

"The Discovery 4 is widely recognised as the world's most versatile and capable SUV and the Range Rover Evoque is continuing to win awards that recognise its all-round performance, distinctive design, and class leading cost of ownership."


Barretts Land Rover

Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 01233 506070

Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 01227 475475

You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter: Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

Land Rover Discovery 4 Triumphs For Third Year Running in 2012 Tow Car Awards

The Land Rover Discovery 4 has won its class for the third consecutive year in the coveted annual Tow Car Awards.

Leading the field once again in the 1900kg+ class, the Discovery 4 reigned supreme over the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Volvo XC60 and XC70, Ford Ranger, Vauxhall Antara and Toyota Hilux to take the class victory.

Tow Car Awards judge and Haymarket Outdoor Leisure Group's Editor in Chief - Digital, Nigel Donnelly, said: "If this were a horse race, the bookies would have stopped taking bets on the Discovery 4. Having won the heavyweight class two years in a row, it was always the red-hot favourite. The big Land Rover is even better than before, thanks to the addition of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It's smoother shifting than the old six-speeder and, along with tweaks to the engine, improves performance and economy.

"The Discovery 4 is a luxurious way to travel, thanks to the supple ride and roomy cabin. There are seats for seven, and if the rear two are stowed, there is more than enough space for a fortnight's holiday luggage. In fact, there's little on our list of what makes a practical towcar that the Discovery doesn't have.

"The Discovery is the best heavyweight towcar."

Laura Schwab, Land Rover Marketing Director said: "It is an honour to win this award for the third consecutive year and acts as a strong independent testament to the versatility and capability of the Discovery 4.

"Many of our customers choose the Discovery 4 as the perfect all-rounder; the ideal towing vehicle both commercially and recreationally, as well as being a comfortable and luxurious tourer on road with class leading capability off-road."

The annual test programme which started in 2007, is a joint venture between Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club.

The assessment which involves real-world simulations to put each test car through the most relevant and rigorous tests, involving caravans weighted to 85% of the car's kerbweight, acceleration tests, high-speed stability, brake tests, emergency lane change, hill start and practicality tests. The latter appraises the car's ability to cope with a typical caravanner's luggage, has suitable towing electrics, spare wheel, and technology to make towing easier and safer.

The Land Rover Discovery 4 features a host of intelligent technology creating a safe and comfortable towing experience: Trailer Stability Assist (Standard) automatically detects the presence of a trailer. Once 37 mph is reached, the sensors monitor the behaviour of the trailer. Should any swaying or oscillation occur, the system uses selective braking of the appropriate wheels to help correct any potential problem.

In addition Towing Assist, a next-generation reversing aid, is also included with the optional Surround Camera System. The Towing Assist technology predicts the trajectory of both vehicle and trailer - guiding when coupling a trailer and providing a predicted path for the vehicle when reversing by superimposing coloured lines over the image on the Touch-screen.

The Land Rover Discovery 4 is available from £38,825 from all official Land Rover dealerships.


Barretts Land Rover

Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 01233 506070

Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 01227 475475

You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter: Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

Labels: 2012 Tow Car Awards, Discovery 4, LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4, Towcar

• Land Rover will support Race2Recovery, a team of wounded soldiers with their 2013 Dakar Rally entry
• First ever amputee driver and co-driver entry in Dakar Rally demonstrating enduring human spirit
• Land Rover to supply Discovery support vehicles, off-road driver training, favourable spares and parts supply as well as financial contribution
• Race2Recovery are raising money for Help for Heroes and the Tedworth House Personnel Recovery Centre

Land Rover is pleased to announce major sponsorship support for a team of wounded soldiers, as they bid to overcome the challenges of their injuries and complete the most gruelling off-road racing challenge in the world. It will be the first entry into the Dakar Rally with an amputee driver and co-driver.

Land Rover's sponsorship of theRace2Recoveryproject is designed to enable a 31-strong amateur rally team, which includes seriously-wounded service personnel, to realise their ambition of completing the world-renowned Dakar Rally in January 2013, while raising money for charities including Help for Heroes that support wounded soldiers in their recovery and rehabilitation.

Land Rover's support ofRace2Recoveryincludes the supply of Land Rover engines for use in the team's race vehicles, Land Rover Discovery support vehicles, off-road driving training, a favourable spares and parts supply arrangement, plus PR, marketing and financial support. The provision and funding of these resources will assist the team's logistical and management tasks that would otherwise require a major outlay of funds.


The four Qt Wildcat rally raid vehicles thatRace2Recoverywill enter in the Dakar Rally are based on the Land Rover Defender, sharing running gear and some external visual similarities. Several elements of standard Land Rover vehicles are retained on the Wildcat including engines, axles and some cosmetic parts.

Mark Cameron, Land Rover Brand Experience Director, Global Marketing, said: "Race2Recoverytruly exemplifies 'enduring human spirit' and powerfully symbolises hope for all servicemen, and indeed civilians, recovering from disabilities caused by serious injury. We are proud to support the team's efforts to complete this incredible feat and raise funds for the service charities that helped them in their own recovery and rehabilitation.

"Competing in the Dakar Rally will challenge the team to go beyond their life-changing events. The determination and mental attitude required by the team to take part in the world's toughest rally raid epitomises the human spirit of adventure, determination and teamwork. Land Rover is pleased to support the rehabilitation of the courageous individuals within the team, and to help them positively impact on a much larger number of their fellow service personnel through the money they are raising."

Set up in 2011 by a group of wounded soldiers that was inspired to take up cross-country racing,Race2Recovery's ultimate goal is to participate in and complete the Dakar Rally.


TheRace2RecoveryDakar team includes the following:

• Driver Captain Tony Harris (one leg amputated below knee)
• Co-driver Corporal Tom Neathway (triple amputee)
• Team Manager Warrant Officer Andrew 'Pav' Taylor (spinal fusion)
• Co-driver Corporal Phillip Gillespie (leg amputated below knee)
• Mechanic Corporal Wayne Williams (paralysed vocal cord)

The team also benefits from the involvement of several experienced rally raid participants including Pierre de Frenne, Team Principal, and Quinn Evans, a co-driver who has finished as high as fourth place in the Dakar.

As well as supporting the rehabilitation of the group of injured ex-servicemen directly involved in the project,Race2Recoveryaims to raise money for Tedworth House, a military personnel recovery and assessment centre part funded by theHelp for Heroescharity.

"Race2Recoveryis immensely proud that Land Rover has chosen to support our ethos and determination to succeed in the Dakar," said Captain Tony Harris, driver of one of the Dakar Wildcats. "Our team recognises the power and strength of Land Rover-based products and technology and it's reflected in our choice of vehicle for this project.


"For all of us on the team, this is an opportunity to push the boundaries of the possible and to challenge the human spirit of adventure and ensure that our injuries do not dictate our lives. We are incredibly grateful for Land Rover's backing for our comrades, colleagues and families who still require on-going care and support."

In preparing for the Dakar Rally, theRace2Recoveryteam is entering a programme of competitive rally events in the next seven months, including the Pharaons Rally Raid in Egypt in October.

Their preparations will culminate in the Dakar Rally Raid, which covers over 5,000 miles (9,000 km) in 15 days through Peru, Argentina and Chile in January 2013. With typical speeds of between 70-120mph and up to 700km covered per day through some of the most arduous terrain on the planet, the stress and strain on the driving team, vehicle and mechanics are probably the toughest of any race event in the world.

Fans and potential supporters will be able to meet the Race2Recoveryteam and see their race vehicles at close quarters at several events in June, including the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power in Cheshire (June 15th to 17th)  and the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex (June 28th to July 1st).


Barretts Land Rover


Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 01233 506070


Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 01227 475475

You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter: Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

With the summer months fast upon us, Land Rover has created a range of products, vehicle health checks and an indispensable guide to driving in Europe in preparation for 2012's holiday season.

Last year, 1.1 million British motorists travelled through the Channel Tunnel with hundreds of thousands more crossing by ferry. With ever-changing driving laws which vary from country to country, Land Rover has created a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the rules and regulations of driving in Europe. For example many motorists are unaware that it is illegal in Germany to run out of fuel on an Autobahn and that car drivers must give way to bicycles in Denmark. A new rule that will affect every single motorist arriving on the shores of France is the legal enforcement to carry single-use breathalyser kits in their cars from 1st July 2012.

Land Rover's The 2012 Guide to Driving in Europetakes the guess work out of legal requirements of driving throughout Europe covering 18 countries including Austria, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, and Portugal. The guide is free to download at: http://www.landroversummer.co.uk/.

Land Rover dealerships across the country will be offering a vehicle summer health check for its customers as the prospect of longer journeys and higher temperatures ensue. Giving customers the peace of mind that their Land Rover is 100% ready for adventure, expert technicians will check lights, brakes, tyres, exhausts and fluid levels. In addition, the friendly staff at customers' local dealerships will be able to offer products and services, all of which take the uncertainty out of summer driving, including Navteq satellite navigation updates, Trackstar Vehicle tracking, Land Rover Insurance, Extended Warranty and Roadside Assistance.

In time for the summer months Land Rover's extensive range of genuine accessories provide the ideal complement to any get-away whether it be a trip to the beach with surf boards on a genuine Land Rover roof rack or a tow bar taking advantage of Land Rovers' exceptional towing abilities. From exterior styling additions, interior enhancements including iPad™ holders to entertain the children to a range of alternative alloy wheel designs, there is plenty of options available to tailor your Land Rover to your holiday needs.


To book your Land Rover Summer Check Visit: http://www.barrettskent.co.uk/land-rover/offer_detail.htm?id=2148&bfile=%20aftersales-offers.htm&offer=After%20Sales%20Enquiry&siteid=7788

Barretts Land Rover

Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 01233 506070

Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 01227 475475

You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter: Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

Labels: Europe Road Trip. Driving in Europe

Car Of The Year Honour For Range Rover Evoque As Land Rover Excels In 2012 Diesel Car Awards

The design, technology and capability of Land Rover's current model range has been reflected in the brand's emphatic success in the 2012 Diesel Car Awards.

The Range Rover Evoque added the magazine's 'Best Crossover' and overall 'Car of the Year' titles to its exceptional tally of 112 worldwide honours. The judges acclaimed Evoque as "stunning to look at and stunning to drive…a car that is instantly a classic".

Ian Robertson, Diesel Car editor, said: "Already an icon, the Evoque combines stunning design and brilliant engineering to great effect."


While Evoque claimed the ultimate prize, the Land Rover Discovery 4 demonstrated the diverse capability of Land Rover design and engineering by taking the 'Best 4x4 Award' for the third successive year. No challenger has yet to do better than the Land Rover, which has occupied the top spot ever since it was launched, and is described by the magazine as "everything you could possibly want in a car".

With a nod to the recently completed 'Journey of Discovery' in which the 1,000,000th Discovery was driven over 10,000 miles in 50 days, Robertson added: "Land Rover's continent crosser reigns supreme as the world's most completely clever 4x4."

Consolidating Land Rover's achievements, the Range Rover took the runners-up position behind Discovery 4 in the 'Best 4x4' category.

Land Rover UK Marketing Director, Laura Schwab said: "We are delighted that the Range Rover Evoque continues to set standards for design, engineering and performance right around the world.


"With the lowest CO2 figure of any Land Rover of 129g/km, from the efficient 2.2 eD4 diesel engine, this latest award from Diesel Car Magazine is a further demonstration of Land Rover's continuous focus on technology and customer requirements.

"Moreover, the continuing success of Discovery 4 in these awards and the high praise for Range Rover represent a valuable, independent judgement on Land Rover's across-the-board approach to delivering the highest standards throughout its model range."

The Range Rover Evoque featuring Land Rover's powerful yet efficient 2.2 litre diesel engine is available in SD4 190 hp, TD4 150 hp and in eD4 two-wheel drive 150 hp guise, while the Discovery 4 benefits from a 3.0 litre SDV6 advanced sequential turbo diesel engine producing 255 hp and 600Nm of torque. The Range Rover is powered by the 4.4 litre TDV8 twin sequential turbo charged diesel engine delivering 313 hp and 700 Nm of torque.


Barretts Land Rover

Barretts of Ashford – Tel: 01233 506070

Barretts of Canterbury – Tel: 01227 475475

You can keep up with news, stories and events at Barretts Land Rover by following us on Twitter: Barretts Land Rover: @KentLandRover

Labels: 2012 Diesel Car, Best Crossover, Car of the Year, LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4, Range Rover Evoque